January 31, 2013

PLEASE HELP KEEP NYC LOCAL!

FROM MOVEON.ORG: On October 31, 2012, VIM Pharmacy, a beloved neighborhood fixture in Washington Heights, closed its doors after 37 years due to an exorbitant rent increase. City-wide, many local businesses are being forced out by inflated rents and replaced with big chain stores. This undermines community well-being and quality of life, the viability of the neighborhood and hurts the local economy.

So I created a petition to Christine Quinn, Speaker and Mike Bloomberg, Mayor, which says:

Throughout NYC, the trend of skyrocketing retail rents is forcing premature closures of many valued mom and pop shops, preventing the opening of new small businesses and creating a climate where only national chains can survive.

There needs to be legislation in place to protect and empower small businesses, which in turn would protect and empower communities. Keep New York City a collection of vibrant, innovative and unique neighborhoods.